Objective: Screening of thyroid disorders in pregnancy has been controversial. Recent recommendations favour targeted high-risk case finding, though this approach may miss a significant number of those affected. We aimed to assess the prevalence of accepted high-risk criteria in women with autoimmune thyroiditis and/or hypothyroidism detected from universal screening in an iodinesufficient population. Design: In 400 non-selected women in the 9-11th gestational week, thyroid-related tests were performed, and those with abnormalities were offered consultation. Methods: TSH was determined by IRMA, and the upper cut-off value for screening was set at 3.5 mIU/l. For free thyroxine (FT 4 ) and thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab), RIAs were used, with cut-offs of !10 pmol/l and O50 IU/ml respectively. Endocrinological consultation included Doppler ultrasonography and was aimed to confirm autoimmune thyroiditis and/or hypothyroidism. The prevalence of consensus high-risk criteria was assessed. Results: Among the 400 women, 65 (16.3%) had R1 abnormality: higher TSH was found in 10.3%, lower FT 4 in 2% and positive TPO-Ab in 8.3%. Fifty-one women were examined and followed up. Levo-T 4 treatment was initiated in 49 women for autoimmune thyroiditis (in 42), hypothyroidism (in 34) or both (in 27). Only 22 (45%) of 49 treated women fulfilled R1 high-risk criterion: most commonly family history (31%), history of miscarriage or preterm delivery (14%) and personal history (8%). Conclusions: Over half (55%) of pregnant women with abnormalities suggestive of autoimmune thyroiditis and/or hypothyroidism would be missed if only those with high-risk criteria were examined. A more extensive screening of thyroid autoimmunity and dysfunction seems warranted.

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